• The San Jose Sharks found themselves in a game they've played many times before Wednesday night. This time, the team that usually finds a way to lose wrote a different ending.

• The feeling was similar in Vancouver. where both Ed Willes and Tony Gallagher write that they've seen this same, disappointing effort from the Canucks many times. Not that they were soft. In fact, Vancouver put up a solid effort early on. But the way they slowly let it get away from them in the end hints at a team that is aging before our eyes.

• While his teammates were being schooled by the Bruins in an ignominious return to the postseason, Leafs goaltender James Reimerkept his cool under pressure, according to Rosie DiManno. Not sure I'd agree. I think he should have stopped two of Boston's goals, myself. He can't be "good enough" in this series. For the Leafs to have a chance, Reimer has to outplay Tuukka Rask, and that didn't happen last night.

• The Penguins executed their Game 1 objectives with brutal efficiency in Game 1. After watching the Blackhawks struggle in their opener, the Pens left no doubt as to which team is the favorite to emerge from the East.

• Elliotte Friedman has his usual array of hot sports opinions in his weekly 30 Thoughts column. Most noteworthy? The Avs were preparing an offer to trade up to the No. 1 pick before they won the draft lottery.